Computer simulation controller

ABSTRACT

An accessibility computer game controller includes a central control button on a round base and peripheral control buttons on the base surrounding the central control button. The peripheral control buttons can have distinct sizes and shapes. An analog stick unit is reciprocatingly engaged with the base and includes a control portion rotatable relative to the base.

FIELD

The present application relates generally to computer simulationcontrollers.

BACKGROUND

Computer simulation controllers such as computer game controllers areused by simulation participants to input control signals to thesimulation. As understood herein, some participants may have impairmentssuch as visual or motor skills impairments that present challenges inoperating simulation controllers.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a device includes a central control (CC) button operable tosend a signal to a computerized apparatus when the computerizedapparatus is in communication with the device. The device also includesplural peripheral control (PC) buttons surrounding the CC button, eachbeing operable to send a signal to a computerized apparatus when thecomputerized apparatus is in communication with the device.

In some example embodiments the CC button is round.

The computerized apparatus may include a computer simulation console.The computerized apparatus may include a computer simulation server.

In example implementations a first one of the PC buttons may include anupwardly-sloping outer region. One or more of the PC buttons may includea continuously curved contour from an inner periphery of the first oneof the PC buttons closest to the CC button to an outer periphery of thefirst one of the PC buttons. One or more of the PC buttons may bedetachably engaged with a base holding the CC button and PC buttons.

In non-limiting examples, one or more of the PC buttons viewed from thetop may have a curved inner periphery closest to the CC button and sidesflaring outwardly to a curved outer periphery of the first one of the PCbuttons, with the curved outer periphery being larger than the curvedinner periphery. One or more of the PC buttons viewed from the top canhave a curved inner periphery closest to the CC button and sides flaringoutwardly to a curved outer periphery of the second one of the PCbuttons, with the curved outer periphery being larger than the curvedinner periphery. One of the PC buttons can be larger than another one ofthe PC buttons.

In some examples, the curved inner periphery of a first PC button can beconvex, and a curved inner periphery of a second PC button can beconcave.

One or more of the PC buttons viewed from the top may have an ovularperiphery. One or more of the PC buttons viewed from the top may have aracetrack-shaped periphery.

One or more of the PC buttons may be magnetically engaged with the base.

In another aspect, a method includes generating computer simulationsignals to control a computer simulation using a central control (CC)button on a base of a control device, and generating computer simulationsignals to control the computer simulation using plural peripheralcontrol (PC) buttons on the base, completely surrounding the CC button.

In another aspect, a computer simulation control apparatus includes abase, a round central control (CC) element on the base, and a firstnumber of peripheral control (PC) elements surrounding the CC element.The CC element and PC elements are operable to control a computersimulation.

The details of the present application, both as to its structure andoperation, can be best understood in reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and inwhich:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system including an example inaccordance with present principles;

FIG. 2 illustrates a first example environment in which presentprinciples may be used;

FIG. 3 illustrates a second example environment in which presentprinciples may be used;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the controller with theanalog stick unit in the near position;

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the controller with theanalog stick unit in the near position, with example attachments shownin an exploded relationship to the base;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top plan view of the controller with the analogstick unit in the near position;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded top perspective view of the controllerwith the analog stick unit in the extended position;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cut-away perspective view of the controller;

FIG. 9 illustrates a detail of FIG. 8 showing a control buttonmechanically coupled to a pad in the base;

FIG. 10 illustrates the detail of FIG. 8 showing the control buttondisengaged from the pad in the base;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example alternative button layout;

FIG. 12 illustrates another example alternative button layout; and

FIG. 13 illustrates the attachment when configured as a leg strapconnecting the base to a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates generally to computer ecosystems includingaspects of consumer electronics (CE) device networks such as but notlimited to computer game networks. A system herein may include serverand client components which may be connected over a network such thatdata may be exchanged between the client and server components. Theclient components may include one or more computing devices includinggame consoles such as Sony PlayStation® or a game console made byMicrosoft or Nintendo or other manufacturer, virtual reality (VR)headsets, augmented reality (AR) headsets, portable televisions (e.g.,smart TVs, Internet-enabled TVs), portable computers such as laptops andtablet computers, and other mobile devices including smart phones andadditional examples discussed below. These client devices may operatewith a variety of operating environments. For example, some of theclient computers may employ, as examples, Linux operating systems,operating systems from Microsoft, or a Unix operating system, oroperating systems produced by Apple, Inc., or Google. These operatingenvironments may be used to execute one or more browsing programs, suchas a browser made by Microsoft or Google or Mozilla or other browserprogram that can access websites hosted by the Internet serversdiscussed below. Also, an operating environment according to presentprinciples may be used to execute one or more computer game programs.

Servers and/or gateways may include one or more processors executinginstructions that configure the servers to receive and transmit dataover a network such as the Internet. Or a client and server can beconnected over a local intranet or a virtual private network. A serveror controller may be instantiated by a game console such as a SonyPlayStation®, a personal computer, etc.

Information may be exchanged over a network between the clients andservers. To this end and for security, servers and/or clients caninclude firewalls, load balancers, temporary storages, and proxies, andother network infrastructure for reliability and security. One or moreservers may form an apparatus that implement methods of providing asecure community such as an online social website to network members.

A processor may be a single- or multi-chip processor that can executelogic by means of various lines such as address lines, data lines, andcontrol lines and registers and shift registers.

Components included in one embodiment can be used in other embodimentsin any appropriate combination. For example, any of the variouscomponents described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may becombined, interchanged, or excluded from other embodiments.

“At least one of A, B, and C” (likewise “at least one of A, B, or C” and“at least one of A, B, C”) includes A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and Ctogether, etc.

Now specifically referring to FIG. 1 , an example system 10 is shown,which may include one or more of the example devices mentioned above anddescribed further below in accordance with present principles. The firstof the example devices included in the system 10 is a consumerelectronics (CE) device such as an audio video device (AVD) 12 such asbut not limited to an Internet-enabled TV with a TV tuner (equivalently,set top box controlling a TV). The AVD 12 alternatively may also be acomputerized Internet enabled (“smart”) telephone, a tablet computer, anotebook computer, a HMD, a wearable computerized device, a computerizedInternet-enabled music player, computerized Internet-enabled headphones,a computerized Internet-enabled implantable device such as animplantable skin device, etc. Regardless, it is to be understood thatthe AVD 12 is configured to undertake present principles (e.g.,communicate with other CE devices to undertake present principles,execute the logic described herein, and perform any other functionsand/or operations described herein).

Accordingly, to undertake such principles the AVD 12 can be establishedby some, or all of the components shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the AVD12 can include one or more displays 14 that may be implemented by a highdefinition or ultra-high definition “4K” or higher flat screen and thatmay be touch-enabled for receiving user input signals via touches on thedisplay. The AVD 12 may include one or more speakers 16 for outputtingaudio in accordance with present principles, and at least one additionalinput device 18 such as an audio receiver/microphone for enteringaudible commands to the AVD 12 to control the AVD 12. The example AVD 12may also include one or more network interfaces 20 for communicationover at least one network 22 such as the Internet, an WAN, an LAN, etc.under control of one or more processors 24. Thus, the interface 20 maybe, without limitation, a Wi-Fi transceiver, which is an example of awireless computer network interface, such as but not limited to a meshnetwork transceiver. It is to be understood that the processor 24controls the AVD 12 to undertake present principles, including the otherelements of the AVD 12 described herein such as controlling the display14 to present images thereon and receiving input therefrom. Furthermore,note the network interface 20 may be a wired or wireless modem orrouter, or other appropriate interface such as a wireless telephonytransceiver, or Wi-Fi transceiver as mentioned above, etc.

In addition to the foregoing, the AVD 12 may also include one or moreinput and/or output ports 26 such as a high-definition multimediainterface (HDMI) port or a USB port to physically connect to another CEdevice and/or a headphone port to connect headphones to the AVD 12 forpresentation of audio from the AVD 12 to a user through the headphones.For example, the input port 26 may be connected via wire or wirelesslyto a cable or satellite source 26 a of audio video content. Thus, thesource 26 a may be a separate or integrated set top box, or a satellitereceiver. Or the source 26 a may be a game console or disk playercontaining content. The source 26 a when implemented as a game consolemay include some or all of the components described below in relation tothe CE device 48.

The AVD 12 may further include one or more computer memories 28 such asdisk-based or solid-state storage that are not transitory signals, insome cases embodied in the chassis of the AVD as standalone devices oras a personal video recording device (PVR) or video disk player eitherinternal or external to the chassis of the AVD for playing back AVprograms or as removable memory media or the below-described server.Also, in some embodiments, the AVD 12 can include a position or locationreceiver such as but not limited to a cellphone receiver, GPS receiverand/or altimeter 30 that is configured to receive geographic positioninformation from a satellite or cellphone base station and provide theinformation to the processor 24 and/or determine an altitude at whichthe AVD 12 is disposed in conjunction with the processor 24. Thecomponent 30 may also be implemented by an inertial measurement unit(IMU) that typically includes a combination of accelerometers,gyroscopes, and magnetometers to determine the location and orientationof the AVD 12 in three dimension or by an event-based sensors.

Continuing the description of the AVD 12, in some embodiments the AVD 12may include one or more cameras 32 that may be a thermal imaging camera,a digital camera such as a webcam, an event-based sensor, and/or acamera integrated into the AVD 12 and controllable by the processor 24to gather pictures/images and/or video in accordance with presentprinciples. Also included on the AVD 12 may be a Bluetooth transceiver34 and other Near Field Communication (NFC) element 36 for communicationwith other devices using Bluetooth and/or NFC technology, respectively.An example NFC element can be a radio frequency identification (RFID)element.

Further still, the AVD 12 may include one or more auxiliary sensors 38(e.g., a motion sensor such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, cyclometer,or a magnetic sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an optical sensor, aspeed and/or cadence sensor, an event-based sensor, a gesture sensor(e.g., for sensing gesture command), providing input to the processor24. The AVD 12 may include an over-the-air TV broadcast port 40 forreceiving OTA TV broadcasts providing input to the processor 24. Inaddition to the foregoing, it is noted that the AVD 12 may also includean infrared (IR) transmitter and/or IR receiver and/or IR transceiver 42such as an IR data association (IRDA) device. A battery (not shown) maybe provided for powering the AVD 12, as may be a kinetic energyharvester that may turn kinetic energy into power to charge the batteryand/or power the AVD 12. A graphics processing unit (GPU) 44 and fieldprogrammable gated array 46 also may be included. One or more hapticsgenerators 47 may be provided for generating tactile signals that can besensed by a person holding or in contact with the device.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in addition to the AVD 12, the system 10 mayinclude one or more other CE device types. In one example, a first CEdevice 48 may be a computer game console that can be used to sendcomputer game audio and video to the AVD 12 via commands sent directlyto the AVD 12 and/or through the below-described server while a secondCE device 50 may include similar components as the first CE device 48.In the example shown, the second CE device 50 may be configured as acomputer game controller manipulated by a player or a head-mounteddisplay (HMD) worn by a player. In the example shown, only two CEdevices are shown, it being understood that fewer or greater devices maybe used. A device herein may implement some or all of the componentsshown for the AVD 12. Any of the components shown in the followingfigures may incorporate some or all of the components shown in the caseof the AVD 12.

Now in reference to the afore-mentioned at least one server 52, itincludes at least one server processor 54, at least one tangiblecomputer readable storage medium 56 such as disk-based or solid-statestorage, and at least one network interface 58 that, under control ofthe server processor 54, allows for communication with the other devicesof FIG. 1 over the network 22, and indeed may facilitate communicationbetween servers and client devices in accordance with presentprinciples. Note that the network interface 58 may be, e.g., a wired orwireless modem or router, Wi-Fi transceiver, or other appropriateinterface such as, e.g., a wireless telephony transceiver.

Accordingly, in some embodiments the server 52 may be an Internet serveror an entire server “farm” and may include and perform “cloud” functionssuch that the devices of the system 10 may access a “cloud” environmentvia the server 52 in example embodiments for, e.g., network gamingapplications. Or the server 52 may be implemented by one or more gameconsoles or other computers in the same room as the other devices shownin FIG. 1 or nearby.

The components shown in the following figures may include some or allcomponents shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 2 illustrates that a controller 200 in accordance with presentprinciples may be used to input control signals to a computer simulationconsole 202 to control presentation of a computer simulation executed inthe console 202 on a display 204. The display 204 may be, e.g., a TV, ahead-mounted display (HMD), or other display.

FIG. 3 illustrates that the controller 200 in accordance with presentprinciples may be used to input control signals to a computer simulationserver 300 as may be implemented by, e.g., the server 52 in FIG. 1 tocontrol presentation of a computer simulation executed in the server 300and streamed to the display 204. Noe that the simulation may be streamedfrom the server 300 direct to the display 204 or through the simulationconsole 202 shown in FIG. 2 .

Refer now to FIGS. 4-10 for example details of the controller 200 shownin FIGS. 2 and 3 . The individual components of the controller 200discussed below may be made of plastic such as injection-molded plastic,ink-jet printed plastic including as may be produced by the manufactureror by an end user, composite material, metal, or combinations thereof.

A base 400 that in the example shown has a round periphery supports onits top plural control buttons, including a central control (CC) button402 operable to send a signal to a computerized apparatus such as theserver 300 in FIG. 3 or simulation console 202 in FIG. 2 when thecomputerized apparatus is in wired and/or wireless communication withthe controller. The CC button 402 in the non-limiting example shown isround and may have a gently convex top surface. Other shapes may beused.

In an example embodiment, the CC button 402 has two functions, a normaloperating button, and an arm/palm rest. The CC button 402 can have alock mechanism to stop moving in up-down direction in the case of usingas the palm/arm rest.

A circular light emitting portion 403 (best shown in FIG. 7 ) is locatedaround the center button so that the light emitting portion can be seenthe same from all directions. One or more light emitting diodes (LED) orother light sources may be positioned under the portion 403, which istransparent or translucent, to provide light that propagates through theportion 403.

Plural peripheral control (PC) buttons 404 surround the circular lightemitting portion 403 and, hence, surround the CC button 402 as shown,and in the non-limiting example shown completely surround the CC button402 with only small spaces remaining between adjacent PC buttons. The PCbuttons 404 may have different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures fromeach other. Some of the PC buttons 404 may have identical sizes, shapes,colors, and textures if desired. Each PC button is operable to send asignal to a computerized apparatus when the computerized apparatus is incommunication with the device.

As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , as labeled in FIGS. 4 and 6 oneor more of the PC buttons 404 may have an outer edge strip thatoverhangs (extends radially outwardly past the periphery of) the base400 to facilitate button replacement, such as by one finger or by theelbow. Thus, an edge of a PC button top may have a shape to protrudebeyond the edge of the controller base 400.

In the non-limiting example shown, a first PC button 406 in top planview, includes a curved inner periphery 408 closest to the CC button 402and sides 410 that flare outwardly to a slightly curved or straightouter periphery 412. The outer periphery 412 is larger (longer) than theinner periphery 408. The first PC button 406 may have a flat top surfaceor a gently convex top surface and may slope from a center of the topsurface in both the radial (the dimension from the center of thecontroller toward the outer edge of the controller) and azimuthaldimensions.

In the non-limiting example shown, adjacent the first PC button 406 is asecond PC button 414, and adjacent the second PC button 414 is a thirdPC button 416 that may be identically configured and sized to the secondPC button 414. Unlike the first PC button 404, the second and third PCbuttons 414, 416 may have upwardly-sloping outer regions 418, 420,respectively, and instead of having sides that flare outwardly fromtheir respective inner peripheries to their respective outerperipheries, the inner and outer peripheries are substantially the samelength and the sides 422 of the second third PC buttons 414, 416 arestraight to establish, along with the inner and outer peripheries, aracetrack-shaped periphery for the respective PC button. Or, the sides422 may be gently convex to establish, along with the inner and outerperipheries, an ovular periphery for the respective PC button.

It will be appreciated that the second and third PC buttons 414, 416have upwardly-sloping outer regions 418, 420, respectively, thatrepresent a slope discontinuity from where they begin, essentially atthe edge of a downwardly-sloping inner region.

In the non-limiting example shown, a fourth PC button 424 may be next tothe third PC button 416 and may have the same top plan shape as thesecond and third buttons 414, 416 and the same configuration of anupwardly-sloping outer region 426.

In the non-limiting example shown, a fifth PC button 428 may be next tothe fourth PC button 424 and may have a flat or gently continuouslydownwardly-sloping contour from a convex inner periphery 430 of thefifth PC button 428 closest to the CC button to a convex outer periphery432.

In the non-limiting example shown, a sixth PC button 434 may be next tothe fifth PCT button 428 and may be identically configured in shape tothe fifth PC button 428 but may be larger in size than the fifth PCbutton 428.

In the non-limiting example shown, a seventh PC button 436 may bebetween the sixth PC button 434 and the first PC button 406 as shown andmay be larger than the other PC buttons. As best shown in FIG. 6 , theseventh PC button 436 may have a concave inner periphery 438, incontrast to the other PC buttons which may have convex innerperipheries, with outwardly-flaring straight sides 440 extending fromthe inner periphery 438 to a convex outer periphery 442.

One or more, and in the example shown all, of the PC buttons 404 may bedetachably engaged with the base 400. In the specific non-limitingexample shown and as best shown in FIG. 7 , each PC button 404 may bedetachably engaged with a respective pad 700 on the base 400. Thedetachable engagement may be a friction or snapping fit between a PCbutton 404 and its respective pad 700, or as best shown in FIGS. 9 and10 the engagement may be magnetic. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 and10 , each button 402, 404 may be coupled to a respective ferromagneticplate 900 (such as steel) to magnetically engage a respective magnet 902in the respective pad 700. It is to be understood that the magnet may bein the button and the ferromagnetic plate may be in the pad of the base.

Thus, the button covers may be moved to different underlying controls onthe base 400. As well, the functions of the controls themselves may bedefined by the user.

Each button 402, 404 may have its own unique color different from theother buttons. Or, some buttons 402, 404 may have a first color and oneor more other buttons may have different colors than the first color.For example, the second through fourth buttons 414, 416, 424 may allhave the same color, and that color may be different than the colors ofother buttons. One or more buttons may have raised Braille patternsembossed or otherwise formed on the top of the button to assist avisually impaired person identifying the button.

The top surface of each button 402, 404 that is touched by a user mayhave its own unique texture different from the other buttons. Or, somebuttons 402, 404 may have a first texture and one or more other buttonsmay have different textures than the first texture. For example, thesecond through fourth buttons 414, 416, 424 may all have the sametexture, and that texture may be different than the textures of otherbuttons. A first texture may be, e.g., smooth and a second texture maybe, e.g., roughened, lined, dimpled, or other tactilely distinguishingtexture.

Button shapes other than those described above may be used. A number ofbuttons different than that described above may be used. Thisrecognition is part of current inventive principles and forms no part ofthe prior art.

Return to FIGS. 4-7 . In addition to the plural control buttons 402, 404arranged on the base 400 and operable to send signals to a computerizedapparatus when the computerized apparatus is in communication with thedevice, an analog stick unit (ASU) 444 is reciprocatingly engaged withthe base 400 for movement between a near position (FIGS. 4-6 ), in whicha control portion 446 of the ASU 444 is closely juxtaposed with the base400, and an extended position (FIG. 7 ), in which the control portion446 of the ASU 444 is distanced from the base 400. Moreover, asexplained elsewhere herein, the control portion 446 is rotatablerelative to the base 400. In both near and extended configurations andin various angular orientations the control portion 446 of the ASU canbe manipulated to input control signals to a computerized apparatus.

The control portion 446 may be a joystick-type input device. “North” forthe control portion 446 may be defined by the factory or by the user tobest suit the user's needs using, e.g., a user interface permitting theuser to define which radial direction on the ASU 444 “north” should be.

Additional control keys 447 may be provided on the ASU 444 next to thecontrol portion 446 as shown for manipulation to generate additionalcontrol signals for game play.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 5 , the ASU 444 includes a flat platformthat in turn includes a slide 448 with opposed parallel sides 450 thatare slidably engaged with a receptacle 452 in the base 400 (e.g., bybeing slidably engaged with a flat disk-like base plate 454 of the base400). It will be appreciated that the receptacle 452 is on the bottom ofthe base 400 and the control buttons 402, 404 are on a top of the base.

The flat platform may also include, at one end of the slide 448, adisk-shaped support 456 on which the control portion 446 is rotatablymounted. In the example shown, both the support 456 and the controldevice 446 are round and have substantially equal diameters. The support456 and slide 448 may be made of a single unitary piece of material suchas plastic. Or, separate construction may be used to combine non-skidrubber parts with plastic parts.

The control device 446 is manipulable to generate a signal to acomputerized apparatus. In one non-limiting example and as perhaps bestshown in FIG. 7 , the control device 446 may include a point-and-clickdevice, in the example shown, a button 458 with button cover 460 todepress the button 458 to generate a signal, with the button 458 beingmounted on a rotatable ball 462 in a round socket 464 that risesupwardly in the center of the ASU 446 as shown.

The button cover 460 has a relatively large size and may be formed witha string hole at the top to receive a fastening or carrying string orcord thereto.

With respect to electrical connectors associated with the ASU 446, allconnectors 466 (FIG. 4 ) such as but not limited to universal serial bus(USB) connectors may be located at the opposite side to the analog stickunit for avoiding cable interference with the operation of the analogstick by a user. In particular, a USB connector may be placed 180degrees away from the analog stick on the opposite side. This is becausethe USB cable is the thickest of all the cables expected to be connectedto the device and may affect the posture of the device in use.

In addition, since the digital audio and analog audio connectors lookthe same, each may be located on both sides of the USB connector so thatthey can be distinguished.

In some embodiments, a flexible buckle attachment 468 (FIG. 5 ) made ofsoft material, such as silicon, rubber, and elastic member can beattached on the rear surface of the base 400. The flexibility of thebuckle attachment allows it to deform along the attached portion, suchas user's leg, arm, or wheelchair arm, so it can be attached stably.

In the example shown, as best illustrated in FIG. 5 two threaded holes470 may be formed on the bottom or other surface of the base 400.Respective fasteners 472 may pass through respective holes 474 of theattachment 468 and may engage the holes 470 in the base 400 to hold thebase and attachment together. Other attachments such as a tripod 476similarly may be engaged with the base 400.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternate button layout in which eight peripheralbuttons 1100 surround a round central button 1102. The peripheralbuttons 1100 may have identical shapes and sizes, and in the exampleshown may be shaped like the first PC button 406 shown in FIG. 4 . Thebuttons may be symmetrically arranged the periphery of the base in thisand in other embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternate button layout in which peripheralbuttons 1200 surround a round central button 1202. Some or all theperipheral buttons 1200 may have identical shapes and sizes such asround. In the example shown four of the peripheral buttons 1200 areround and one of the round peripheral buttons is smaller than the otherthree peripheral buttons, while one of the peripheral buttons (labeled1204) is oblong and curved azimuthally as shown. Two of the peripheralbuttons (labeled 1206) may be small flat rectilinear buttons.

FIG. 13 illustrates a controller 200 according to present principlesengaged with an attachment 1302, in this case, a leg band or strap thatis flexible and that may secure the controller 200 to the leg or otherpart of a user 1304. Attachment may be effected as described above usingfasteners and threaded holes in the base of the controller such that thecontroller 200 only faces one or two ways when mounted on the user'sthigh, for example.

In some embodiments two controllers may be provided, one configured foroptimal operation by one hand of a user and the other configured foroptimal operation by the other hand of the user.

While the particular embodiments are herein shown and described indetail, it is to be understood that the subject matter which isencompassed by the present invention is limited only by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a central control (CC)button operable to send a signal to a computerized apparatus when thecomputerized apparatus is in communication with the device; and pluralperipheral control (PC) buttons surrounding the CC button, each beingoperable to send a signal to a computerized apparatus when thecomputerized apparatus is in communication with the device.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the CC button is round.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the computerized apparatus comprises a computersimulation console.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the computerizedapparatus comprises a computer simulation server.
 5. The device of claim1, wherein a first one of the PC buttons comprises an upwardly-slopingouter region.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein a first one of the PCbuttons comprises a continuously curved contour from an inner peripheryof the first one of the PC buttons closest to the CC button to an outerperiphery of the first one of the PC buttons.
 7. The device of claim 1,wherein at least a first one of the PC buttons is detachably engagedwith a base holding the CC button and PC buttons.
 8. The device of claim1, wherein at least a first one of the PC buttons viewed from the topcomprises a curved inner periphery closest to the CC button and sidesflaring outwardly to a curved outer periphery of the first one of the PCbuttons, the curved outer periphery being larger than the curved innerperiphery.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein at least a second one ofthe PC buttons viewed from the top comprises a curved inner peripheryclosest to the CC button and sides flaring outwardly to a curved outerperiphery of the second one of the PC buttons, the curved outerperiphery being larger than the curved inner periphery, the second oneof the PC buttons being larger than the first one of the PC buttons. 10.The device of claim 8, wherein the curved inner periphery of the firstone of the PC buttons is convex, and wherein at least a second one ofthe PC buttons viewed from the top comprises a curved inner peripheryclosest to the CC button and sides flaring outwardly to a curved outerperiphery of the second one of the PC buttons, the curved outerperiphery being larger than the curved inner periphery, the curved innerperiphery of the second one of the PC buttons being concave.
 11. Thedevice of claim 10, wherein the second one of the PC buttons is largerthan the first one of the PC buttons.
 12. The device of claim 1, whereinat least a first one of the PC buttons viewed from the top comprises anovular periphery.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein at least a firstone of the PC buttons viewed from the top comprises a racetrack-shapedperiphery.
 14. The device of claim 7, wherein at least the first one ofthe PC buttons is magnetically engaged with the base.
 15. A method,comprising: generating computer simulation signals to control a computersimulation using a central control (CC) button on a base of a controldevice; and generating computer simulation signals to control thecomputer simulation using plural peripheral control (PC) buttons on thebase, completely surrounding the CC button.
 16. A computer simulationcontrol apparatus, comprising: a base; a round central control (CC)element on the base; and a first number of peripheral control (PC)elements surrounding the CC element, the CC element and PC elementsbeing operable to control a computer simulation.
 17. The computersimulation control apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first number isseven.
 18. The computer simulation control apparatus of claim 16,wherein a first one of the PC elements comprises an upwardly-slopingouter region.
 19. The computer simulation control apparatus of claim 16,wherein at least a first one of the PC elements viewed from the topcomprises a curved inner periphery closest to the CC button and sidesflaring outwardly to a curved outer periphery of the first one of the PCelements, the curved outer periphery being larger than the curved innerperiphery.
 20. The computer simulation control apparatus of claim 19,wherein the curved inner periphery of the first one of the PC elementsis convex, and wherein at least a second one of the PC elements viewedfrom the top comprises a curved inner periphery closest to the CCelement and sides flaring outwardly to a curved outer periphery of thesecond one of the PC elements, the curved inner periphery of the secondone of the PC elements being concave.